Cameroon Soldiers’ Desertion: Implications for National Security and Military Capacity
Cameroonian soldiers are deserting to fight in Ukraine, undermining military capacity and national stability. The trend has intensified since Russia’s invasion, highlighted by the incentive of higher pay compared to local salaries. This desertion stems from a transformation in military perception and increased risks within the armed forces. Stricter regulations and reforms are necessary to mitigate these challenges.
The desertion of Cameroonian soldiers to fight in Ukraine significantly undermines the operational effectiveness of African militaries and the stability of the nations involved. This trend, highlighted by Cameroon’s Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo, has escalated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with some deserters joining Ukraine while others support Russia as part of a mercenary group.
Cameroon has faced issues with soldier desertions since the late 2010s, when many elite unit members left for lucrative security opportunities abroad. Reports indicate that between 300 to 800 soldiers had deserted around 2018, and by 2020, 637 were dismissed for desertion. The rising conflict in Ukraine offers additional incentives for soldiers seeking better prospects.
This latest wave of desertions differs as soldiers abandon their posts to engage in a highly active war zone. Russian recruitment networks have successfully attracted Cameroonian personnel by offering salaries of XAF 1.2-2 million ($1,976-$3,294), aligning with intelligence reports citing bonuses and life insurance for families.
The desertion trend is an unforeseen result of Cameroon’s military professionalization, which transitioned from conscription to a professional cadre. As described by French sociologist Augustin Hamon, soldiers increasingly view their military service as a career rather than solely a patriotic duty, transforming the military into a skilled workforce with effective counter-terrorism capabilities.
With an average basic monthly salary of XAF 51,880 ($85) for a second-class private, the compensation disparities between Russian forces and those in Cameroon are drastic, especially given the Russian offers for deployed soldiers are at least $2,000 per month. This salary gap, combined with mounting pressures and risks associated with military duties, influences soldiers’ decisions to desert.
Desertions from the army also mirror a broader trend of skilled workers seeking opportunities abroad, with the International Organization for Migration reporting significant outflows of Cameroonian migrants. The desertion issue not only impacts recruitment but also threatens the army’s operational integrity, leading to a loss of valuable expertise and unit cohesion.
Concerns about returning deserters who may apply their combat experience against Cameroon’s interests are significant. To combat desertion, Defence Minister Assomo has called for stricter oversight of military personnel, enhancing accountability and permitting desertions only with ministerial authorization.
To retain essential soldiers, the Cameroonian army must develop loyalty strategies and promote favorable conditions in high-risk areas while considering salary adjustments. Implementing beneficial measures previously announced could improve soldiers’ welfare, thereby reducing the impulse to leave for foreign engagements.
The desertion of Cameroonian soldiers to fight in Ukraine highlights severe operational challenges and risks facing the nation’s military. Contributing factors include inadequate salaries, increased pressures, and an evolving perception of military careers. To retain personnel, the government must initiate reforms addressing welfare and working conditions, implement stricter regulations, and establish loyalty strategies to ensure the army’s stability and effectiveness against emerging security threats.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
